The new generation BMW M3 and M4 offer outrageous performance without grabbing too much attention on the roads compared to a 2-door supercar.
Bringing an end to its slew of launches for 2014, BMW India has launched the 2015 M3 performance sedan and its coupe derivative M4 in the country, with prices starting from Rs. 1.19 crores (ex-showroom, India). Replacing the E90 based M3 sedan and coupe models in the country, the new generation M3 and M4 takes the performance from the iconic brand to an all-new level altogether offering outlandish amounts of fun from the lighter and more efficient M powered vehicles. The M4 is also the new addition to the M family and is essentially the coupe version of the M3, as per BMW’s new nomenclature for coupes and sedans.
Design – In terms of design, the 2015 M3 and M4 largely resemble the 3-Series saloon, but sports changes that showcases the beast under the provocative hood. While the kidney grille is the same, the bumper gets sporty design traits with larger air intakes and adaptive lights with LED daytime running lights. The side profile continues to get the understated look boasting of a strong shoulder line, while the 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels are a clear give away of speeds the M3 and M4 are capable of doing. The rear on the other hand gets a revised bumper along with quad exhausts and the ///M badging.
In terms of dimensions the 2015 BMW M3 and M4 have grown marginally, but are now a healthy 80 kgs lighter over the previous generation model weighing 1500 kgs, courtesy of the extensive weight saving measures. The German giant has used aluminium throughout the car on the hood, front wings and several chassis components, along with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) that helps significantly to keep the weight low and structural rigidity high.
Interiors – Keeping up with the sporty credentials on the outside, the 2015 M3 sedan and M4 coupe offer a striking combination of luxury and sportiness inside the cabin. The well appointed interiors keep the luxury intact, while the ‘M’ inserts work as a constant reminder of the car’s sporty credentials. Done up in carbon-fibre, the interiors come with M sport seats with 10-way adjustment settings, M multi-function steering wheel as well as M door-sill finishers, footrest and gear shift lever that keep the sport tone intact.
In terms of creature comfort, the M3 and M4 come loaded with automatic climate control, ambient lighting, 3-stage heated front seats; an updated iDrive system with touchpad controller, USB connectivity with Bluetooth audio streaming, tyre pressure monitor and a start-stop button. You also get a Harman Kardon surround sound system, heads up display with 3D maps and navigation as well as side and top view cameras. The sport seats are upholstered in Anthracite leather.
Engine – Tuned by BMW’s M Division, the 2015 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe carry the same mechanicals and are powered by the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder, TwinTurbo engine that produces 425 BHP of power and 550 Nm of torque and is a little more powerful than the V8 engine that powered the outgoing version. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 7-Speed dual clutch transmission. Keeping the performance cars planted are the range of electronic aids including the Launch Control function as well as paddle shifters. You also get an active differential, DSC with M dynamic mode along with an active suspension set-up with three driving modes namely Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, while there is also the Smokey Burnout option for those fun and showoff days.
Performance Figures – In terms of figures, both the M3 and M4 are outrageously fast and can do 0-100 km/hr in just 4.3 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr.
Safety – With so much power on offer, BMW has made sure to equip the M3 and M4 with state of the art driving aids and safety systems including front and side airbags, adaptive brake-lights, BMW’s Advanced Safety System as well as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Brake Fade Compensation, ABS with Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Stability Clutch Control, Active M differential Start-off Assistant, Brake Drying and Brake Stand-by features with M Dynamic Mode. Stopping power comes from ventilated disc brakes, while there are also the optional Brembo carbon ceramic brakes on offer.
Compared to the outgoing version, the 2015 BMW M3 and M4 are also 25 percent more fuel efficient and offer reduced CO2 emissions. Being brought in as a CBU, the M3 and M4 is for the affluent few who want unadulterated driving pleasure without making too much of a show about it. With limited competition in the performance segment, the M3 and M4 compete against the Mercedes C63 AMG as well as the Audi RS5 in the segment. The company hasn’t confirmed the launch of the M4 convertible in the country, but could launch it sometime during 2015.
2015 BMW M3, M4 Prices (ex-showroom, India) –
* BMW M3 – Rs. 1.19 crores
* BMW M4 – Rs. 1.21 crores
